Knock on Wood (Flooring) For Its Timeless Appeal
August 15, 2019
Wood floors still rank high on a homebuyers’ wish lists. Let your sellers know about today’s design trends and product improvements so they might earn the best return on their investment.
Knocking on wood is a superstition intended to bring good luck. Coincidentally, wood flooring improves the odds that a listing will appeal to more buyers and increase its value.
Wood flooring’s increased pervasiveness in homes reflects its long-term durability, inherent natural character and warmth, low risk of allergens, and range of aesthetic choices that suit almost any decor. In fact, a wood floor can play a starring role in any room’s decor, which is why New York City–based designer Karen Asprea of Karen Asprea Studio makes flooring her first design decision when tackling a project.
Wood is also a draw for buyers seeking low-maintenance options, says Jennifer Ames, a sales associate with Engel & Volkers in Chicago. However, when colors or designs are out of date, it can derail a sale. “Buyers don’t want to have to refinish old boards, or worse, take the time to install new floors,” she says.
Because installing and refinishing wood floors is an expensive undertaking, homeowners should carefully weigh all choices, says Brett Miller, vice president of education and certification for the National Wood Flooring Association in suburban St. Louis.
As you’re guiding clients who are preparing their homes for sale or buyers who are brainstorming renovations, offer them information on today’s wood flooring design trends and product improvements.
Width. In recent years, manufacturers have made wider boards available—up to 24 inches, which can add to the cost. “No width is better than another; it depends on the aesthetic and budget,” says Jessica Lagrange, who heads Chicago-based Jessica Lagrange Interiors, a luxury interior design firm. “Because of a greater range of widths, homeowners can create any kind of decorative style—from traditional to contemporary and everything in between—as well as achieve a seamless look.” Narrower widths look more traditional while wider planks give a more modern aesthetic. “Wider widths also yield fewer seams and may look more appropriate in expansive spaces,” she says. Some designers suggest mixing widths for a novel look, though the downside can be a busy appearance, says K. Tyler, a partner in interior design at Morgante Wilson Architects, also in Chicago.
